Systems, methods and apparatus for overall load balancing by scheduled and prioritized reductions

ABSTRACT

Accessing an energy management policy for a plurality of devices is described, wherein the devices are coupled with a first structure. The energy usage of the devices is monitored. An energy usage rule and energy usage is then compared. The energy management policy and energy usage is also compared. Based on the comparing, an instruction is generated to modify an energy usage profile of said device to correlate with the energy usage rule associated with the devices and the energy management policy, thereby enabling efficient energy management.

CROSS REFERENCES

This application is a Continuation Application of and claims the benefitof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/327,459, filed on Dec. 15, 2011,entitled, “MANAGING ENERGY USAGE,” which is a Continuation Applicationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/241,588, filed on Sep. 30, 2008,now U.S. Pat. No. 8,160,752 entitled “MANAGING ENERGY USAGE.” The entiredisclosures of these applications are hereby incorporated by referencefor all purposes. Furthermore, the subject matter of this ContinuationApplication relates to the subject matter of the commonly assigned U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/977,015, filed on Oct. 2, 2007, entitled,“ENERGY MANAGEMENT PLATFORM,” which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The field of the present invention relates to computer systems. Moreparticularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to energymanagement systems.

BACKGROUND

Consumers experiment with different ways of reducing household energyusage. For example, consumers may turn off air conditioning duringcertain parts of the day, run certain appliances only during the earlymorning hours, and replace large inefficient appliances with smallerenergy efficient ones. Additionally, consumers may use measuring devicesto calculate the energy usage rate of a particular device. Then,depending upon the measured energy usage, a consumer may decide to turnthe device on and off to adjust the home's overall energy usage.

However, there exist limitations as to the current system for measuringthe energy usage of a particular device. While a device's energy usagemay be determined for a given point in time, it is unclear what thisdetermination means. For example, an energy usage measurement mightspecify that a device is using 2 kilowatts per hour. While thisinformation may be useful to a scientist, the average consumer is notwell acquainted with the kilowatt. Furthermore, it is not clear to theconsumer what the 2 kilowatts per hour static measurement means incontext with the energy usage of a possible new device, other devices,and/or the entire household of devices. Thus, current energy usagemeasurements are cryptic and not very useful to the average consumer.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Accessing an energy management policy for a plurality of devices isdescribed, wherein the devices are coupled with a first structure. Theenergy usage of the devices is monitored. An energy usage rule andenergy usage is then compared. The energy management policy and energyusage is also compared. Based on the comparing, an instruction isgenerated to modify an energy usage profile of said device to correlatewith the energy usage rule associated with the devices and the energymanagement policy, thereby enabling efficient energy management.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthis specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention formanaging energy usage and, together with the description, serve toexplain principles discussed below:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example system for managing energy usagein accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example system for managing energy usagein accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an example method of managing energy usage inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an example computer system used for managingenergy usage in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example method of managing energy usage inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example method of managing energy usage inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example method of balancing an overallenergy load of a plurality of enclosures.

The drawings referred to in this description should not be understood asbeing drawn to scale unless specifically noted.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the presentinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction withvarious embodiment(s), it will be understood that they are not intendedto limit the present invention to these embodiments. On the contrary,the present invention is intended to cover alternatives, modificationsand equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope ofthe various embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding ofthe present invention. However, the present invention may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well known methods,procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detailas not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present embodiments.

Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the followingdiscussions, it is appreciated that throughout the present detaileddescription, discussions utilizing terms such as “accessing”,“monitoring”, “comparing”, “modifying”, “enabling”, “tracking”,“generating”, “estimating”, “alerting”, or the like, refer to theactions and processes of a computer system, or similar electroniccomputing device. The computer system or similar electronic computingdevice manipulates and transforms data represented as physical(electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers andmemories into other data similarly represented as physical quantitieswithin the computer system memories or registers or other suchinformation storage, transmission, or display devices. The presentinvention is also well suited to the use of other computer systems suchas, for example, optical and mechanical computers.

Overview of Discussion

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention pertain to a systemfor managing energy usage. In one embodiment, the system describedherein enables conservation of household energy by advising a user tomodify the household's energy usage to correlate to a desired energyusage for that household.

More particularly, one embodiment of the present invention functions asa household energy manager. For example, the energy manager attaches toa household wall and replaces the typical heating-cooling thermostatcontroller. The energy manager then utilizes an energy-measuring modulecoupled with a household device to monitor the energy usage of thehousehold device. For example, an energy-measuring module coupled with adishwasher may measure a dishwasher utilizing 1.20 kilowatts per hour ofelectricity.

In addition to monitoring individual appliances, the energy manager mayutilize an energy-measuring module, such as a smart meter, coupled withthe house to monitor the total household's energy usage. For example, asmart meter may measure the overall energy usage of all applianceswithin a household, including the dishwasher, to be 21 kilowatts perhour of electricity.

The energy manager then may access an energy usage rule describing adesired energy usage for a device and/or the household. This energyusage rule may be preprogrammed and internal to the energy manager ormay be accessed at a server positioned external to the energy manager.This server in turn may receive a demand-response call from an energyutility company. For example, a demand-response call may indicate thatit is desirable that the aforementioned dishwasher is to use up to amaximum of 1.00 kilowatt per hour of electricity at any given time.Furthermore, an overall energy management policy may specify that thehousehold may use up to a maximum of 20 kilowatts per hour of energy atany point in time.

Based on the comparison between the measured energy usage of a householddevice and that device's desired energy usage, the energy manager maymodify the device's energy usage to conform with the overall desiredenergy usage. For example, based on the comparison between thedishwasher's measured 1.20 kilowatts per hour of energy usage, and thehousehold's use of 21 kilowatts per hour of electricity, the energymanager may modify the dishwasher's energy usage by turning it off andon at time periods separate from other high energy usage appliances, tokeep the overall household energy use below 20 kilowatts per hour at anygiven point in time.

Thus, an energy manager may utilize an internally preprogrammed energyusage rule and/or a demand-response call received via a server from anenergy utility company to advise a user to modify a device's energyusage.

The following discussion will begin with a detailed description of thestructure of components herein in accordance with the present invention.This discussion will then be followed by a detailed description of theoperation and function of the components herein.

Energy Manager

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example energy manager 100 in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention. Energy manager 100, coupledwith first structure 140, comprises energy usage rule accessor 105,energy usage rule comparator 125, and energy usage profile generator 135

Continuing with FIG. 2, a block diagram is shown of an example energymanager 100 in which energy usage rule accessor 105 comprises serveraccessor 220 and user instruction accessor 230. In another embodiment,energy usage rule comparator 125 comprises passive power consumptiontracker 235. In one embodiment, energy manager 100 further comprisinginterface compatibility module 205 and graphical display module 215.

Energy manager 100 is shown coupled wirelessly with device 204 viaenergy-measuring module 250 a and compatible communication module 210.Of note, energy-measuring module 250 a may be coupled with energymanager 100 in such a way as to be part of energy manager 100.Energy-measuring module 250 a operates as an inductive donut surroundingthe electrical cord that couples device 204 with an electrical outlet offirst structure 140. As will be described herein, energy-measuringmodule 250 a listens for information such as energy usage signaturesspecific to device 204. This information is communicated wirelessly toenergy manager 100 via a wireless transmitter and receiver coupled withenergy measuring module 250 a and compatible communication module 210,such as but not limited to the wireless Ethernet, ZigBee, X10, or someother suitable wireless protocol.

In another embodiment, energy manager 100 is shown coupled wirelesslywith energy-measuring module 250 b. Energy-measuring module 250 b may bea digital meter coupled with the outside of the home. Energy utility 240has access to this digital meter. The digital meter provides informationregarding the total energy usage of the household. This information iscommunicated wirelessly to energy manager 100 via a wireless transmitterand receiver coupled with energy-measuring module 250 b and energymanager 100, such as such as but not limited to the wireless Ethernet,ZigBee, X10, or some other suitable wireless protocol.

In one embodiment, energy manager 100 is shown coupled wirelessly withenergy-measuring modules 250 c 1 and 250 c 2 of a group ofenergy-measuring modules denoted as 250 c, that are themselves coupledwith subpanels positioned on the side wall and ceiling of firststructure 140. Of note, in another embodiment, energy manager 100 mayalso be coupled with energy-measuring modules 250 c 1 and 250 c 2 via awire. Additionally, energy manager 100 is well suited to being coupledwith a plurality of more than two energy-measuring modules ofenergy-measuring module group 250 c at any number of locations withinfirst structure 140.

Energy-measuring modules 250 c 1 and 250 c 2 that are coupled with thesubpanels and positioned in the proximity of device 204 listen forinformation such as energy usage signatures specific to device 204. Forexample, a certain amount of signal noise flows between and throughenergy-measuring modules 250 c 1 and 250 c 2. By identifying andcomparing said signal noise received at energy-measuring modules 250 c 1and 250 c 2, better granularity in reading the energy signature ofdevice 204 can be obtained. The more 250 c energy-measuring modules thatare positioned at first structure 140, the more data that can becollected. The more data that can be collected, the more accurate is thedetermination of energy usage per device 204.

Of note, energy usage rule 202 may be any recommendation or instructionfor energy usage as it relates to device 204, either alone, or as partof an energy management policy for one or more devices. In oneembodiment, an energy management policy may designate the overalldesired household energy usage as well as the desired energy usage forindividual devices therein.

In one embodiment, energy usage rule 202 is preprogrammed within energymanager 100. In another embodiment, energy usage rule 202 is external toenergy manager 100, located at server 225, and provided to server 225via energy utility 240 or other Internet hosted servers. In oneembodiment, server 225 acts as a central management server. Energyutility 240 is coupled with energy manager 100 via Internet 245 andserver 225, and is coupled with first structure 140 via energy-measuringmodule 250 b.

In another embodiment, unit 260 is coupled with device 204 andelectrical outlet 265 with which device 204 is also coupled.Additionally, the present invention is well suited to having any numberof units 260 coupled with any number of devices and any number ofelectrical outlets. Unit 260 is configured to receive an instruction tomodify an energy usage profile of device 204 to correlate with device204's energy usage rule. In essence, unit 260 may control the power todevice 204. Of note, unit 260 may receive instructions to modify theenergy usage profile of device 204 from any device capable of sendingreceivable instructions.

In one embodiment, an energy manager 100 coupled with a subpanel withinfirst structure 140 wirelessly transmits an instruction to unit 260 tomodify the energy usage profile of device 204. In another embodiment,user 255 may email an instruction to unit 260 to modify device 204coupled therewith. More particularly, in one example, unit 260 iscoupled with a lamp. Energy manager 100 sends a message to unit 260 thatthe lamp is utilizing too many kilowatts per hour of energy and needs tobe turned down. Unit 260 then dims the lamp's lighting, thus decreasingthe lamp's energy usage according to the instructions.

Continuing with FIG. 2, device 204 may be any device that may be coupledwith first structure 140. Of note, device 204 may be any device capableof utilizing energy within first structure 140. However, for purposes ofbrevity and clarity, device 204 is sometimes referred to herein as“household device”. For example, device 204 may be a washer, a dryer, arefrigerator, a dishwasher, a toaster, etc. Furthermore, first structure140 may be any structure with which one or more devices may be coupledand within which one or more devices may use electricity. However, forpurposes of brevity and clarity, first structure 140 is sometimesreferred to herein as “household”.

Operation

More generally, in embodiments in accordance with the present invention,energy manager 100 is used to monitor and instruct a user to modify theenergy usage profile of one or more devices within a household tocorrelate to a desired energy usage for that device and/or household. Inanother embodiment, energy manager 100 is used to monitor andautomatically modify the energy usage profile of one or more deviceswithin a household to correlate to a desired energy usage for thatdevice and/or household. Desired energy usage may be based on energyusage rules internal to energy manager 100 and/or energy usage rulesultimately received from an energy utility. Such an instruction and/ormodification are particularly useful to conserve household energy usage.

More particularly, and referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, energyusage rule accessor 105 accesses an energy usage rule 202 of device 204,wherein device 204 is coupled with first structure 140. Then, energyusage rule comparator 125 receives an energy usage measurement of device204 and compares energy usage rule 202 with the energy usagemeasurement. Next, energy usage profile generator 135 generates aninstruction to modify an energy usage profile of device 204 to correlatewith the energy usage, thereby enabling efficient energy management.

An energy usage measurement of one or more devices refers to the totalamount of energy measured for each device and/or for cumulative deviceswithin first structure 140. For example, energy-measuring module 250 ameasures energy through a study of a device's energy usage signaturethat vacillates with its energy usage. For example, every device thatplugs into an electrical system has a unique energy usage signature. Inother words, every device exhibits unique signal patterns during itselectrical usage. These signals are used to calculate a total amount ofenergy being used at any given time by device 204.

An energy usage profile of device 204 refers to the overall energy usageof device 204 and device's 204 interaction with other devices withinfirst structure 140, taking into account all available input, such asuser 255 input, energy utility 240 input, and/or other input receivedvia Internet 245 and server 225. Additionally, an energy usage profileof device 204 may be integrated with an energy usage profile of a devicelocated within one or more structures other than first structure 140.

In one embodiment, energy usage rule accessor 105 comprises serveraccessor 220, configured for accessing an energy management instructionat server 225, wherein server 225 is positioned apart from firststructure 140. Server 225 holds instructions received from energyutility 240. These instructions, for example, may command energy manager100 to conserve energy relating to one or more structures that aresubscribed to a demand response program. This command to conserve energymay take the form of an instruction to turn down a thermostat'sset-point in the summer and to turn up the thermostat's set-point in thewinter during critical peak energy draw situations. In essence, theinstructions provide that the AC is to be turned down in the summer andthat the heater is to be turned down in the winter at certain criticalpoints in time.

However, “cheaters” could put a local heat source such as a match (inthe summer) or a local cold source such as an ice-cube (in the winter)to attempt to trick the thermostat that the adjustment being made willhave a positive effect on the energy load. Energy manager 100 may thenprofile the actual energy load reduction vs. the projected energy loadreduction. If it is determined that the difference between the actualenergy load reduction vs. the projected energy load reduction is toogreat, then a demand response situation may be triggered.

In a demand response situation, energy manager 100 may ignore the actualtemperature reading and may alert authorities of the cheating. Forexample, when the demand response situation has been triggered and usingsophisticated algorithms, energy manager 100 may determine theappropriate actions in proceeding with an energy load reduction,regardless of the energy manager 100's local temperature reading. Energymanager 100 may also flag a server 225 as to suspicious behavior forlater follow-up by authorities.

In another embodiment, user instruction accessor 230 is configured foraccessing an instruction from user 255, wherein the instruction providesguidance as to user's 255 desired energy usage for device 204. Forexample, in one embodiment, user 255 may input information into energymanager 100 such as to what temperature user 255 would like a room toremain for the next five hours.

In one embodiment, the user instruction is a result of a dialoguegenerated by energy manager 100 with user 255. For example, energymanager 100 may create a dialogue with user 255 via text and/or sound tolearn how and when to automatically modify the in-home environmenttaking into account the comfort of user 255. Energy manager 100, forexample, may interview user 255 to improve user's personal satisfactionwith the HVAC and energy automation effectiveness. One or all of theavailable energy manager 100's available user interfaces may query, “Areyou cold, hot, or just right now?” or “We made the assumption due to thetime of day and day-in-the-month not to turn the heat on at this time tosave you money . . . did you like the decision?” The answers to thesequeries may be used to create an energy usage profile of user 255 andthe household.

After establishing a home owner's preference in temperature and patternof usage, energy manager 100 may also factor in local weather conditionsinto pro-active plans for heating and cooling. For example, an Internethosted server (coupled with server 225 via Internet 245) may provideforecasted weather data for the home in neighborhood, identifiable byzip code. Energy manager 100 may use the anticipation of a comingweather pattern, user preference knowledge, and scheduled or criticalpeak energy rates (actual or expected) to take pro-active steps. Forexample, these pro-active steps may include gradually cooling down thehouse to 65 degrees throughout the morning until 11 am, while takinginto account that user's 255 disregard for the cold in the morning aswell as taking advantage of cheaper energy rates.

In FIG. 7, an instruction is generated to modify an energy usage profile(706) of first device 204 coupled with first structure 140 according toan energy usage profile (708) of a second device coupled with a secondstructure, such that the energy usage associated with first structure140 and the energy usage associated with the second structure does notoccur at the same time. For example, two different homes both have anenergy manager 100, are coupled with server 225, and enter into a localgrid “balancing algorithm”. Home #1 wants to use its compressor (702).Home #2 wants to heat its swimming pool (704). If both homes use thistype of energy at the same time, the power grid will be taxed with acumulative amount of power usage. However, if the two homes stagger itsenergy usage, then the power grid's average usage will remain the same.In other words, when home #1 is done with using its compressor, the poolheater of home #2 will be recommended to be powered on.

For example, energy manager 100 of home #1 generates an instruction tothe effect that home #1 should power on its compressor between the hoursof 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Energy manager 100 of home #2 generates aninstruction to the effect that home #2 should power on its pool heaterbetween the hours of 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. (710). The residents of home #1may then follow its energy manager 100's instructions. The residents ofhome #2 may also then follow its energy manager 100's instructions.

In another embodiment of the present invention, when home #1 is donewith using its compressor, the pool heater of home #2 will automaticallypower on.

In other words, energy manager 100 causes “peak load management” (712)to occur, in which some or all devices within a home may be turned offin critical peak power situations. This peak load management can beperformed based on geography, such as but not limited to peak loadmanagement per house and peak load management per neighborhood.

In one embodiment of the present invention, energy manager 100 comprisesinterface compatibility module 205, configured for enabling coupling ofenergy manager 100 with compatible communication module 210, whereinenergy manager 100 utilizes compatible communication module 210 toaccess an energy usage measurement. For example, interface compatibilitymodule 205 provides a means of choosing the best method of Internetconnectivity for user 255. It comprises a compatible communicationmodule 210 that allows user 255 to buy a compatible wireless networkingmodule, a household-wiring module, or other appropriate module thatallows for further customization by user 255 to match user's 255existing home network. For example, compatible communication module 210enables the coupling of wireless connector 802.11 with energy manager100. Wireless connector 802.11 then enables communication with energymeasuring module 250 a.

In another embodiment of the present invention, energy manager 100comprises graphical display module 215, configured for enablingcommunication with user 255. For example, graphical display module 215may include various aesthetic properties relating to color, texture,shape, and lighting. In one embodiment, graphical display module 215 maybe a glass touch screen panel. The panel may be color and incorporategraphics. The panel may enable communication via icons, graphs, piecharts, etc.

In one embodiment, energy manager 100 generates an instruction that isreceivable by a human user 255 of device 204. This instruction may bereceivable through any number of mediums, including graphical displaymodule 215 positioned as shown in FIG. 2 or positioned anywhere thatenables coupling wired or wireless coupling with first structure 140.Additionally, human user 255 of device 204 may access the generatedinstruction at any device within first structure 140 that is configuredto transmit the instruction, such as but not limited to a desktopcomputer and/or portable electronic devise. Further, human user 255 ofdevice 204 may access the generated instruction as an email message, SMSmessage, or other electronic message via a device capable of supportingthe transmission and display of the message. In another embodiment,energy manager 100 generates an instruction that is receivable by device204. The instruction enables device 204 to alter its energy usageprofile based on the comparing of the energy usage rule for device 204and device 204's energy usage.

In one embodiment, energy manager 100 comprises passive powerconsumption tracker 235, configured for tracking a difference betweenthe sum of energy usage of all devices, wherein all these devices are inan active state and coupled with first structure 140, and a total energyused within first structure 140 to generate a passive power consumptionanalysis. For example, energy manager 100 may provide calculatedestimates of passive power consumption. The difference between the sumof each appliance's energy usage and the total energy usage is perhousehold is passive power consumption and untracked power usage. Thisuntracked power usage is un-optimizable usage. Passive power consumptionis considered to be the most significant drain of power on a power grid.Wall nuts and other passive power drains are undocumented and yet pullmore current than any other sink. Even though an appliance is “off”doesn't mean that the appliance isn't consuming power. Tracking thispassive power usage increases the user's 255 awareness of energy usageand creates opportunities to conserve overall energy.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an upgrade to energy manager100 is accessed. For example, energy manager 100 may access, via server225, upgrades to its functionalities and interoperability capacity withdevices. In one embodiment, device 204 is upgraded within the home.Energy manager 100 may then access, via server 225, device 204'smanufacturer to receive upgraded energy standards for device 204.

It is important to note that energy manager 100 may be a directreplacement for the heating-cooling thermostat controller that connectsto the home air conditioner/heater. For example, a consumer may purchaseenergy manager 100, pull their current thermostat off their householdwall, and mount energy manager 100 in its place. Energy manager 100 thenperforms all of the air conditioner/heater operations that would beexpected from the displaced heating-cooling thermostat as well as theoperations attributable to energy manager 100 described herein.Furthermore, a new face plate may include, but is not limited to, anincreased display size, a faster processor within, added features tomake energy manager 100 more user friendly.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart 300 of an example method of managing energy usage.With reference now to 305 of FIG. 3, an energy usage rule 202 for device204 is accessed, wherein device 204 is coupled with first structure 140.

With reference to 310 of FIG. 3, in another embodiment energy usage ofdevice 204 is monitored. This monitoring may be automatically performedor upon command by user 255, energy utility 240, or some otherauthorized monitor. For example, a device's 204 energy usage may bemonitored by energy utility 240 via energy measuring module 250 b forinconsistencies in thermostat readings.

With reference to 315 of FIG. 3, in one embodiment, energy usage rule202 is compared with the energy usage of device 202. Finally, withreference to 320 of FIG. 3, in one embodiment, based on 315 comparing ofenergy usage rule 202 and the energy usage of device 204, an instructionis generated to modify an energy usage profile of device 204 tocorrelate with energy usage rule 202, thereby enabling efficient energymanagement.

Thus, embodiments of the present invention enable the generation of aninstruction for a user to modify an energy usage profile of one or moredevices within a household to correlate to a desired energy usage forthat device and/or household. Additionally, embodiments of the presentinvention enable the generation of an instruction to automaticallymodify an energy usage profile of one or more devices within a householdto correlate to a desired energy usage for that device and/or household.Furthermore, an instruction to modify an energy usage profile for adevice and/or household may be based on instructions from a user andinstructions from a utility company via a server.

Example Computer System Environment

With reference now to FIG. 4, portions of the invention for generating apre-recorded quick response are composed of computer-readable andcomputer-executable instructions that reside, for example, incomputer-usable media of a computer system. That is, FIG. 4 illustratesone example of a type of computer that can be used to implementembodiments, which are discussed below, of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example computer system 400 used in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention. It is appreciated that system400 of FIG. 4 is an example only and that the present invention canoperate on or within a number of different computer systems includinggeneral purpose networked computer systems, embedded computer systems,routers, switches, server devices, user devices, various intermediatedevices/artifacts, stand alone computer systems, and the like. As shownin FIG. 4, computer system 400 of FIG. 4 is well adapted to havingperipheral computer readable media 402 such as, for example, a floppydisk, a compact disc, and the like coupled thereto.

System 400 of FIG. 4 includes an address/data bus 404 for communicatinginformation, and a processor 406A coupled to bus 404 for processinginformation and instructions. As depicted in FIG. 4, system 400 is alsowell suited to a multi-processor environment in which a plurality ofprocessors 406A, 406B, and 406C are present. Conversely, system 400 isalso well suited to having a single processor such as, for example,processor 406A. Processors 406A, 406B, and 406C may be any of varioustypes of microprocessors. System 400 also includes data storage featuressuch as a computer usable volatile memory 408, e.g. random access memory(RAM), coupled to bus 404 for storing information and instructions forprocessors 406A, 406B, and 406C.

System 400 also includes computer usable non-volatile memory 410, e.g.read only memory (ROM), coupled to bus 404 for storing staticinformation and instructions for processors 406A, 406B, and 406C. Alsopresent in system 400 is a data storage unit 412 (e.g., a magnetic oroptical disk and disk drive) coupled to bus 404 for storing informationand instructions. System 400 also includes an optional alpha-numericinput device 414 including alphanumeric and function keys coupled to bus404 for communicating information and command selections to processor406A or processors 406A, 406B, and 406C. System 400 also includes anoptional cursor control device 416 coupled to bus 404 for communicatinguser input information and command selections to processor 406A orprocessors 406A, 406B, and 406C. System 400 of the present embodimentalso includes an optional display device 418 coupled to bus 404 fordisplaying information.

Referring still to FIG. 4, optional display device 418 of FIG. 4 may bea liquid crystal device, cathode ray tube, plasma display device orother display device suitable for creating graphic images andalpha-numeric characters recognizable to a user. Optional cursor controldevice 416 allows the computer user to dynamically signal the movementof a visible symbol (cursor) on a display screen of display device 418.Many implementations of cursor control device 416 are known in the artincluding a trackball, mouse, touch pad, joystick or special keys onalpha-numeric input device 414 capable of signaling movement of a givendirection or manner of displacement. Alternatively, it will beappreciated that a cursor can be directed and/or activated via inputfrom alpha-numeric input device 414 using special keys and key sequencecommands.

System 400 is also well suited to having a cursor directed by othermeans such as, for example, voice commands. System 400 also includes anI/O device 420 for coupling system 400 with external entities.

Referring still to FIG. 4, various other components are depicted forsystem 400. Specifically, when present, an operating system 422,applications 424, modules 426, and data 428 are shown as typicallyresiding in one or some combination of computer usable volatile memory408, e.g. random access memory (RAM), and data storage unit 412.However, it is appreciated that in some embodiments, operating system422 may be stored in other locations such as on a network or on a flashdrive; and that further, operating system 422 may be accessed from aremote location via, for example, a coupling to the internet. In oneembodiment, the present invention, for example, is stored as anapplication 424 or module 426 in memory locations within RAM 408 andmemory areas within data storage unit 412. System 400 is also wellsuited to having a temperature sensor 430, an ambient light sensor 432,and a relative humidity sensor 434.

Computing system 400 is only one example of a suitable computingenvironment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to thescope of use or functionality of the present invention. Neither shouldthe computing environment 400 be interpreted as having any dependency orrequirement relating to any one or combination of components illustratedin the example computing system 400.

The present invention may be described in the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines,programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that performparticular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Thepresent invention may also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotecomputer-storage media including memory-storage devices.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process 500 for managing energyusage, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Inone embodiment, process 500 is carried out by processors and electricalcomponents under the control of computer readable and computerexecutable instructions. The computer readable and computer executableinstructions reside, for example, in data storage features such ascomputer usable volatile and non-volatile memory. However, the computerreadable and computer executable instructions may reside in any type ofcomputer readable medium. In one embodiment, process 500 is performed byenergy manager 100 of FIG. 1.

With reference to 505 of FIG. 5, a signal of device 204 is monitored,wherein the signal is an energy usage signature specific to device 204and device 204 is coupled with first structure 140. With reference to510 of FIG. 5, an analysis of energy usage of device 204 is generatedbased on the monitoring of a signal of device 204. The analysisdescribes an energy usage profile of device 204.

In one embodiment, method 500 further comprises estimating savings withregards to replacing device 204 with a new device, wherein theestimating is based on the analysis described herein of method 500. Forexample, by installing energy manager 100, user 255 can get contextualadvice on how to efficiently and affordably upgrade user's 255 currentHVAC unit. Energy manager 100 estimates how much money would be saved byinstalling a new HVAC unit based on algorithms that do the following:measure, store, and analyze energy usage history; utilize a SeasonalEnergy Efficiency Rating (SEER) of a new HVAC unit and how it wouldprofile in the current household; and measure current HVAC unit run timeand the temperature drop rate over various time intervals.

Energy manager 100 may, through its back-end server 225 connection inInternet 245, enable partnerships with local (or national) HVACcompanies. Energy manager 100 may change its line-up of eligiblereplacement HVAC units based on factors such as pricing and availabilityin real-time. Energy manager 100 may provide contextual advertisementfor HVAC unit vendors, or for any other product or service. Themessaging from energy manager's 100 face-plate, connected PC interface,or connected mobile interface provides such useful information as, “Youwould save $130 per month if you upgraded to a Y SEER AC.”

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, method 500 furthercomprises generating an analysis that informs user 255 of the costsassociated with changing the settings of device 204. For example, energymanager 100 may generate an analysis that informs user 255 that changingthe dishwasher to run at half power instead of at full power may saveuser 255 $20 per month.

In another embodiment, method 500 further comprises comparing the energyusage of first structure 140 with an energy usage of a second structurebased on the analysis described herein of method 500. For example, withenergy managers 100 in different homes, comparisons may be made betweenand among homes. A home in neighborhood N1 can compare its energy usageto a friend's home in neighborhood N2. Energy manager 100 may then relayto user 255 the following, “Your friend, Jim Smith, is spending $500 permonth to heat/cool their house.” Or, energy manager 100 may relay touser 255, “Your sister's fridge is costing $50 per month to keep thefood cold, which is in the top 10% of homes in the nation in terms ofeffectiveness and efficiency.” This neighbor comparison functionalityworks on competitive psychology. This functionality enables more salesof new and energy efficient units and overall electricity conservationfor the power energy grid.

In another embodiment, method 500 further comprises alerting user 255 tospecific maintenance tasks for device 204 that are recommended based onan analysis of energy usage of device 204 described herein. For example,method 500 comprises alerting user 255 that a new filter for device 204is needed based on the analysis described herein of method 500. Forexample, energy manager 100 may estimate when enough time has passedbased on overall usage to determine that a new filter for the HVAC unitis needed. Energy manager 100 may show reminders for replacing theseHVAC filters. Energy manager 100 may show statistics on how much moneyis saved or lost by replacing or waiting to replace HVAC filters.

In another embodiment, method 500 further comprises calculating theefficiency of the HVAC correlated to the energy efficiency of the home(including insulation and air leakage through ducts, under doors, andaround windows). For example, based on the duration that it takes todrop the temperature of the home to the desired temperature while takinginto consideration the cost of electricity, energy manager 100calculates the efficiency of the HVAC correlated to the energyefficiency of the home.

Similarly, energy manager 100 may calculate the current efficiency of anappliance such as a refrigerator. Utilizing an energy-measuring module250 a between the refrigerator and the electrical outlet, energy manager100 can make algorithmic conclusions based on the setting and thehistory of the refrigerator. Thus, energy manager 100 may generate ananalysis on the estimated energy efficiency of the refrigerator.

In another embodiment, method 500 further comprises alerting user 255 ofa possible failure of device 204 based on an analysis of historical dataor data on a remote server. This historical data includes the monitoredenergy usage data for device 204 described herein. Method 500 furthercomprises alerting user 255 of possible device 204 failure based ondevice's 204 history. For example, circuits sometimes begin to eat uplarger and larger amounts of current or show erratic current draw beforethey fail. A “healthy history” of current usage per device 204 may becompared to current spikes or other erratic current draw to predict thefailure of device 204.

In another embodiment, method 500 further comprises calculating thebreak even date of a replacement product. For example, energy manager100 monitors the energy usage history for device 204. Then, after device204 is replaced, energy manager 100 marks the replacement date. Energymanager 100 may then calculate the break even date and any realizedsavings based off of electric rate data. Energy manager 100 may thencommunicate these calculations to user 255 via graphical display module215. Energy manager 100 may also communicate a victory notification touser 255.

In another embodiment, method 500 further comprises assisting user 255with achieving a money savings goal by managing user's 255 energy usage.For example, a user's 255 financial savings goal and an interactionbetween user 255 and user's 255 device(s) 204 may result in a dialoguewith device(s) 204 or even with the whole house. Energy manager 100 mayalso keep user 255 current on user's 255 financial savings. Energymanager 100 may tie its energy usage management of device(s) 204 with anincentive, such as, “By turning the AC up to 89 degrees, we are savingfor our Fiji vacation.”.

In another embodiment, method 500 further comprises querying andnegotiating with user 255 to assist user 255 in meeting an energy budgettarget. For example, energy manager 100 may both interview and negotiatewith user 255. The interviews may be periodic questions, posed throughuser-interfaces. These question posed may relate to personal comfort,and preferences on HVAC and energy automation effectiveness. Forexample, one question might be, “Are you cold, hot, or just right atthis time?” The answer to this question will inform energy manager 100of the threshold of environmental comfort for user 255 based on aregistered temperature reading. Energy manager 100 may also poll user255 if user 255 is the only one home or if other friends or relativesare at home to determine what actions should be taken.

Another possible question may be, “We made the assumption due to thetime of day and the day in the month not to turn the heat on at thistime in order to save you money . . . did you like this decision?” Apositive response from user 255 will reinforce the algorithmic decisionmade. Whereas a negative response will provide the initiative to make achange.

The negotiation (via email, SMS, Instant Messaging, or directlyaccessing the interface of energy manager 100) of user 255 with energymanager 100 relates to trying to help user 255 hit a pre-set energybudget target. For example, if after 20 days into the month the user's255 trend line is above the forecasted month end bill and/or energyusage, energy manager 100 may send user 255 an SMS messaging requestingpermission to turn the heat down three degrees.

In another embodiment, method 500 further comprises profiling a device204 based on the history of device 204 and environmental factors. Forexample, energy manager 100 may support the use of one energy-measuringmodule 250 a used to connect device 204 to energy manager 100. Based onthe energy consumption over time and against assorted environmentalfactors energy manager 100 will profile device 100 as to its energyconsumption, energy costs, and as a percentage of room device class, andwhole-home totals. This one energy-measuring module 250 a may be rotatedaround the home to eventually construct a whole home energy profile,with or without the presence of energy-measuring module 250 b.

Furthermore, this device-level energy audit can be conducted overvarying levels of time and report to user 255 its higher level ofconfidence on its estimates based on the variable of time allowed tomeasure a particular device 204. Energy manager 100 may compare similardevices of its class via information on Internet hosted servers.Moreover, energy manager 100 may compare similar devices for the homevia historical information from one or more energy utility 240. Energymanager may also make a forecast regarding device 204 based on companytrends and forecasts.

In another embodiment, method 500 further comprises managing an energyco-op of a pool of energy manager 100 user(s) 255. For example, energymanager(s) 100 is able to aggregate homes within and acrossneighborhoods, grouping them into a logical large single pool. A logicallarge single pool of houses might be homes located geographically neareach other. Energy manager 100 thus provides a distributed “buyingblock” of energy user's 255. This “buying block”, having purchased fromenergy wholesalers, is able to act in a cooperative capacity as energymanager 100 user(s) 255. Beneficially, user(s) 255 would experiencereduced energy costs. Server 225 may manage this co-op.

In yet another embodiment of the present technology, a plurality ofenergy usage signatures is aggregated by remote server 225. Thisplurality of energy usage signatures is compiled for comparison withsubsequently received energy usage signatures. One or more of the energyusage signatures may be identified by user 255 of the device(s). In oneembodiment, remote server 225 receives from user 255 of device 204 theidentification information, including but not limited to device type,manufacturer, and model information to be associated with its energyusage signature. The server then aggregates this identification ofdevice 204 in a database at server 225.

More particularly, energy manager 100 may detect a new energy usagesignature within first structure 140. Energy manager 100 may notify user255 that a new energy usage signature (device 204) exists and promptuser 255 for the device's identification. User 255 then may identifydevice 204 as washer model #4305. Energy manager 100 then sends thisenergy usage signature along with its identification to server 225.Remote server 255 stores this identification in a database that isaccessible to users of device 204 and devices other than device 204. Inthis way, a database of energy usage signatures and relatedidentifications is built and accessible by, but not limited to, users ofvarious devices, manufacturers, and energy utility companies.

In another embodiment, the plurality of energy usage signatures of firststructure 140 received by server 225 are provided for use and comparisonof one or more energy usage signatures by an energy manager 100 in asecond structure. For example, the energy usage signatures detected instructure 140 and their identification that is stored in a database atserver 225 are provided to an energy manager 100 of a second structurefor use and comparison with one or more energy usage signatures therein.

For example, energy manager 100 of a second structure uses theidentified energy usage signatures associated with the devices in firststructure 140 to identify the energy usage signatures detected in thesecond structure. In this manner, energy manager 100 takes advantage ofa database of identifications of energy usage signatures located at aremote server in order to more quickly identify the devices within ahousehold with which it is coupled. Of note, users of devices coupledwith different structures provide assistance in the collection andidentification of energy usage signatures for any number of devices.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process for managing energy usagein accordance with embodiments of the present invention is shown. Withreference now to 605 of FIG. 6, an energy usage rule 202 for device 204is accessed, wherein device 204 is coupled with first structure 140.

With reference to 610 of FIG. 6, in another embodiment energy usage ofdevice 204 is monitored. This monitoring may be automatically performedor upon command by user 255, energy utility 240, or some otherauthorized monitor. For example, a device's 204 energy usage may bemonitored by energy utility 240 via energy measuring module 250 b forinconsistencies in thermostat readings.

User 255 may access these instructions at, but not limited to, energymanager 100, at a device coupled with first structure 140, at a server255 coupled with energy manager 100 and/or first structure 140, and/orat a device at a second structure coupled wired or wirelessly with firststructure 140.

With reference to 615 of FIG. 6, in one embodiment, energy usage rule202 is compared with the energy usage of device 202. Finally, withreference to 620 of FIG. 6, in one embodiment, based on 615 comparing ofenergy usage rule 202 and the energy usage of device 204, an instructionis generated to modify an energy usage profile of device 204 tocorrelate with energy usage rule 202, wherein the instruction isformatted for interpretation by a human user, thereby enabling efficientenergy management. An instruction is formatted for interpretation by ahuman user if the instruction is transmitted in such a way that it couldbe understood by a human user.

Thus, embodiments of the present invention enable the generation of aninstruction for a human user to modify an energy usage profile of one ormore devices within a household to correlate to a desired energy usagefor that device and/or household. Additionally, embodiments of thepresent invention enable the generation of an instruction toautomatically modify an energy usage profile of one or more deviceswithin a household to correlate to a desired energy usage for thatdevice and/or household.

Thus, embodiments of the present invention increase consumer awarenessas to conservation of energy by enabling the generation of an analysisof a device's energy usage. In one embodiment, the analysis informs aconsumer of estimated savings with regards to replacing a device with anew device. In another embodiment, the analysis provides a comparison ofthe energy usage and energy costs of two different households.Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention inform a consumer whena new filter for a device is needed based on a generated analysis. Thus,embodiments of the present invention are beneficial by increasing aconsumer's awareness of energy conservation opportunities.

Although the subject matter has been described in a language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above.Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed asexample forms of implementing the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for reducing an overall energy load of aplurality of enclosures, comprising: one or more computer serversconfigured to: receive task information for the plurality of enclosures,the task information indicating: a first energy-consuming task for afirst enclosure scheduled to be performed during a first time intervalin the future and capable of being performed at one or more alternativetimes; and a second energy-consuming task for a second enclosurescheduled to be performed during a second time interval in the future,wherein the first time interval overlaps with the second time interval;receive energy consumption information for the plurality of enclosures,the energy consumption information indicating: a first amount of energyconsumed by the first energy-consuming task for the first enclosure; anda second amount of energy consumed by the second energy-consuming taskfor the second enclosure; and generate an overall energy plan for theplurality of enclosures based on the task information and the energyconsumption information for the plurality of enclosures, the overallenergy plan including a schedule for performing energy consuming tasksfor the plurality of enclosures wherein: the first energy-consuming taskhas been rescheduled to no longer overlap with the secondenergy-consuming task; and the overall energy plan reduces a combinedpeak energy usage of the plurality of enclosures; cause a firstenergy-control module in the first enclosure to operate a first devicecapable of performing the first energy-consuming task in accordance withthe overall energy plan; and cause a second energy-control module in thesecond enclosure to operate a second device capable of performing thesecond energy-consuming task in accordance with the overall energy plan.2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of energymeasurement modules communicatively coupled to the one or more computerservers, each energy measurement module corresponding to an enclosurefrom the plurality of enclosures and being configured to: measure anenergy consumption amount of a device capable of performing the firstenergy consuming task for the first enclosure, and transmit the energyconsumption information indicating the first amount of energy consumedby the first energy-consuming task for the first enclosure to the one ormore computer servers.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising: aplurality of energy control modules communicatively coupled to the oneor more computer servers, each energy control module corresponding to anenclosure from the plurality of enclosures and being configured to:receive an instruction from the one or more computer servers, and inresponse to receiving the instruction, operate devices capable ofperforming energy-consuming tasks for the enclosures according to theoverall energy plan.
 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising: aplurality of energy management modules communicatively coupled to theone or more computer servers, each energy management modulecorresponding to an enclosure from the plurality of enclosures and beingconfigured to: receive user input indicating the first energy-consumingtask for the first enclosure, and transmit the task information for thefirst enclosure to the one or more computer servers.
 5. The system ofclaim 4, wherein the user input is a temperature setpoint indicating adesired temperature for the first enclosure, and wherein the energyconsuming task is a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)task.
 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the energy management moduleincludes a native mobile user interface.
 7. The system of claim 4,wherein the energy management module includes a web user interface. 8.The system of claim 1, further comprising: a messaging modulecommunicatively coupled to the one or more computer servers andconfigured to: transmit a message for each of the plurality ofenclosures indicating a time for performing the first energy-consumingtask, the message being at least one of an email message and a shortmessage service (SMS) message, the message being transmitted to a useraccount associated with the first enclosure.
 9. A method for balancingan overall energy load of a plurality of enclosures, comprising:receiving task information for the plurality of enclosures, the taskinformation indicating: a first energy-consuming task for a firstenclosure scheduled to be performed during a first time interval in thefuture and capable of being performed at one or more alternative times;and a second energy-consuming task for a second enclosure scheduled tobe performed during a second time interval in the future, wherein thefirst time interval overlaps with the second time interval; receivingenergy consumption information for the plurality of enclosures, theenergy consumption information indicating: a first amount of energyconsumed by the first energy-consuming task for the first enclosure; anda second amount of energy consumed by the second energy-consuming taskfor the second enclosure; and generating an overall energy plan for theplurality of enclosures based on the task information and the energyconsumption information for the plurality of enclosures, the overallenergy plan including a schedule for performing energy consuming tasksfor the plurality of enclosures wherein: the first energy-consuming taskhas been rescheduled to no longer overlap with the secondenergy-consuming task; and the overall energy plan reduces a combinedpeak energy usage of the plurality of enclosures; causing a firstenergy-control module in the first enclosure to operate a first devicecapable of performing the first energy-consuming task in accordance withthe overall energy plan; and causing a second energy-control module inthe second enclosure to operate a second device capable of performingthe second energy-consuming task in accordance with the overall energyplan.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: receiving occupancyinformation for each of the plurality of enclosures, the occupancyinformation indicating a number of occupants inside the enclosure,wherein the overall energy plan is generated further based on theoccupancy information for each enclosure.
 11. The method of claim 9,further comprising: storing a history of occupancy information for eachof the plurality of enclosures, the history of occupancy informationindicating a number of occupants inside the corresponding enclosure atspecific times of a day; and identifying a daily occupancy pattern foreach enclosure using the history of occupancy information, wherein theoverall energy plan is generated further based on the daily occupancypattern for each enclosure.
 12. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising: transmitting times for performing energy-consuming tasks tomobile devices for each of the plurality of enclosures.
 13. The methodof claim 9, further comprising: providing an incentive to each enclosurefor performing energy-consuming tasks according to the overall energyplan.
 14. The method of claim 9, further comprising: receiving totalenergy consumption information for each of the plurality of enclosures,the total energy consumption information indicating a total amount ofenergy consumed by the corresponding enclosure, wherein the overallenergy plan is generated further based on the total energy consumptioninformation for each enclosure.
 15. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising: storing a history of energy consumption information for eachof the plurality of enclosures; and determining an expected futureenergy consumption for each enclosure based on the history of energyconsumption information, wherein the overall energy plan is generatedfurther based on the expected future energy consumption for eachenclosure.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: determiningan energy consumption trend for each enclosure based on the history ofenergy consumption information, wherein the expected future energyconsumption for each enclosure is determined based on the energyconsumption trend.
 17. The method of claim 9, further comprising:arranging the plurality of enclosures into a plurality of enclosuregroups, wherein a schedule for performing energy-consuming tasks of eachenclosure specifies a time for each enclosure group.
 18. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the plurality of enclosures are arranged into theenclosure groups according to geography, such that each enclosure groupis a neighborhood.
 19. A system for balancing an overall energy load ofa plurality of enclosures, comprising: means for receiving taskinformation for the plurality of enclosures, the task informationindicating: a first energy-consuming task for a first enclosurescheduled to be performed during a first time interval in the future andcapable of being performed at one or more alternative times; and asecond energy-consuming task for a second enclosure scheduled to beperformed during a second time interval in the future, wherein the firsttime interval overlaps with the second time interval; means forreceiving energy consumption information for the plurality ofenclosures, the energy consumption information indicating: a firstamount of energy consumed by the first energy-consuming task for thefirst enclosure; and a second amount of energy consumed by the secondenergy-consuming task for the second enclosure; and means for generatingan overall energy plan for the plurality of enclosures based on the taskinformation and the energy consumption information for the plurality ofenclosures, the overall energy plan including a schedule for performingenergy consuming tasks for the plurality of enclosures wherein: thefirst energy-consuming task has been rescheduled to no longer overlapwith the second energy-consuming task; and the overall energy planreduces a combined peak energy usage of the plurality of enclosures;means for causing a first energy-control module in the first enclosureto operate a first device capable of performing the firstenergy-consuming task in accordance with the overall energy plan; andmeans for causing a second energy-control module in the second enclosureto operate a second device capable of performing the secondenergy-consuming task in accordance with the overall energy plan. 20.The system of claim 19, further comprising: means for calculating a costsavings associated with performing the energy consuming task of eachenclosure according to the overall energy plan; and means forcommunicating the cost savings to a user.